U.S. patent number 10,212,000 [Application Number 15/659,180] was granted by the patent office on 2019-02-19 for computer vision based activation.
This patent grant is currently assigned to DAQRI, LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is DAQRI, LLC. Invention is credited to Frank Chester Irving, Jr..
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United States Patent |
10,212,000 |
Irving, Jr. |
February 19, 2019 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Computer vision based activation
Abstract
An augmented-reality (AR) device detects a physical device
located within a first predefined distance of the augmented-reality
device. The AR device detects, using an optical sensor, a physical
object located within a second predefined distance of the physical
device, the physical object being electronically unconnected to the
physical device. The AR device determines that the physical object
is associated with the physical device and identifies a command
based on an identification of both the physical object and the
physical device. The physical device is configured to operate the
command and display, in the display, virtual content as an overlay
to the physical object.
Inventors: |
Irving, Jr.; Frank Chester
(Woodland Hills, CA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DAQRI, LLC |
Los Angeles |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
DAQRI, LLC (Los Angeles,
CA)
|
Family
ID: |
65039049 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/659,180 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F
3/0304 (20130101); G06K 9/00979 (20130101); H04L
12/2829 (20130101); G06K 9/00664 (20130101); G06F
3/011 (20130101); G06T 19/006 (20130101); G06K
9/00671 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04L
12/28 (20060101); G06K 9/00 (20060101); G06T
19/00 (20110101); G06F 3/01 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Yang; Ryan R
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Schwegman Lundberg & Woessner,
P.A.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An augmented-reality device comprising: an optical sensor; a
display; and one or more hardware processors comprising a physical
device control application, the physical device control application
configured to perform operations comprising: detecting a physical
device located within a first predefined distance of the
augmented-reality device; detecting, using the optical sensor, a
physical object located within a second predefined distance of the
physical device, the physical object being electronically
unconnected to the physical device; determining that the physical
object is associated with the physical device; identifying a
command based on an identification of both the physical object and
the physical device, the physical device configured to operate the
command; and displaying, in the display, virtual content as an
overlay to the physical object, the virtual content identifying the
command.
2. The augmented-reality device of claim 1, wherein the operations
further comprise: determining, using the optical sensor, a position
of the physical object relative to the physical device, a first
orientation of the physical object relative to the
augmented-reality device, and a second orientation of the physical
object relative to the physical device, wherein the command is
identified based on a combination of the identification of the
physical object, the position of the physical object relative to
the physical device, the first orientation of the physical object
relative to the augmented-reality device, and the second
orientation of the physical object relative to the physical
device.
3. The augmented-reality device of claim 1, wherein the operations
further comprise: identifying, using the optical sensor, the
physical device and the physical object; and determining, using the
optical sensor, that the physical object is adjacent to the
physical device, wherein the command is based on the identification
of both the physical device and the physical object, and the
physical object being adjacent to the physical device.
4. The augmented-reality device of claim 1, wherein the operations
further comprise: wirelessly communicating with the physical
device; identifying the physical device based on the wireless
communication between the augmented reality device and the physical
device; and determining, using the optical sensor, that the
physical object is adjacent to the physical device, wherein the
command is based on the identification of both the physical device
and the physical object, and the physical object being adjacent to
the physical device.
5. The augmented-reality device of claim 4, wherein the operations
further comprise: communicating the command to the physical device
using the wireless communication.
6. The augmented-reality device of claim 1, wherein the operations
further comprise: communicating the command to a server, the server
associated with the physical device and coupled to the physical
device.
7. The augmented-reality device of claim 1, wherein the operations
further comprise: detecting that the physical device has performed
the command on the physical device; and modifying the virtual
content in response to the detecting that the physical device has
performed the command, the modified virtual content indicating that
the physical device has performed the command.
8. The augmented-reality device of claim 1, wherein the operations
further comprise: receiving a confirmation from the physical device
that the command has been performed on the physical device; and
modifying the virtual content in response to the detecting that the
physical device has performed the command, the modified virtual
content indicating that the physical device has performed the
command.
9. The augmented-reality device of claim 1, wherein the operations
further comprise: detecting, using the optical sensor, a first and
a second physical object located within the predefined distance of
the physical device, the first and second physical objects being
electronically unconnected to the physical device; determining that
the first and second physical objects are associated with the
physical device; identifying a first request based on a combination
of an identification of the first and second physical objects, the
position of the first physical object relative to the physical
device, the position of the second physical object relative to the
physical device, the orientation of the first physical object
relative to the augmented-reality device, and the orientation of
the of the second physical object relative to the augmented-reality
device; and communicating the first request to the physical
device.
10. The augmented-reality device of claim 1, wherein the operations
further comprise: generating a first virtual content to be
displayed over at least one of the first and second physical
objects, the first virtual content identifying the first request;
generating a second virtual content identifying a second request,
the second virtual content including visual instructions
illustrating how to move the first and second physical objects to
trigger the second request; and displaying, in the display, both
the first and second virtual content over the first and second
physical objects.
11. A method comprising: detecting a physical device located within
a first predefined distance of an augmented-reality device;
detecting, using an optical sensor of the augmented-reality device,
a physical object located within a second predefined distance of
the physical device, the physical object being electronically
unconnected to the physical device; determining, using a hardware
processor of the augmented-reality device, that the physical object
is associated with the physical device; identifying a command based
on an identification of both the physical object and the physical
device, the physical device configured to operate the command; and
displaying, in a display of the augmented-reality office, virtual
content as an overlay to the physical object, the virtual content
identifying the command.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: determining, using
the optical sensor, a position of the physical object relative to
the physical device, a first orientation of the physical object
relative to the augmented-reality device, and a second orientation
of the physical object relative to the physical device, wherein the
command is identified based on a combination of the identification
of the physical object, the position of the physical object
relative to the physical device, the first orientation of the
physical object relative to the augmented-reality device, and the
second orientation of the physical object relative to the physical
device.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: identifying, using
the optical sensor, the physical device and the physical object;
and determining, using the optical sensor, that the physical object
is adjacent to the physical device, wherein the command is based on
the identification of both the physical device and the physical
object, and the physical object being adjacent to the physical
device.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: wirelessly
communicating with the physical device; identifying the physical
device based on the wireless communication between the augmented
reality device and the physical device; and determining, using the
optical sensor, that the physical object is adjacent to the
physical device, wherein the command is based on the identification
of both the physical device and the physical object, and the
physical object being adjacent to the physical device.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: communicating the
command to the physical device using the wireless communication or
to a server, the server associated with the physical device and
coupled to the physical device.
16. The method of claim 11, further comprising: detecting that the
physical device has performed the command on the physical device;
and modifying the virtual content in response to the detecting that
the physical device has performed the command, the modified virtual
content indicating that the physical device has performed the
command.
17. The method of claim 11, further comprising: receiving a
confirmation from the physical device that the command has been
performed on the physical device; and modifying the virtual content
in response to the detecting that the physical device has performed
the command, the modified virtual content indicating that the
physical device has performed the command.
18. The method of claim 11, further comprising: detecting, using
the optical sensor, a first and a second physical object located
within the predefined distance of the physical device, the first
and second physical objects being electronically unconnected to the
physical device; determining that the first and second physical
objects are associated with the physical device; identifying a
first request based on a combination of an identification of the
first and second physical objects, the position of the first
physical object relative to the physical device, the position of
the second physical object relative to the physical device, the
orientation of the first physical object relative to the
augmented-reality device, and the orientation of the of the second
physical object relative to the augmented-reality device; and
communicating the first request to the physical device.
19. The augmented-reality device of claim 1, wherein the operations
further comprise: generating a first virtual content to be
displayed over at least one of the first and second physical
objects, the first virtual content identifying the first request;
generating a second virtual content identifying a second request,
the second virtual content including visual instructions
illustrating how to move the first and second physical objects to
trigger the second request; and displaying, in the display, both
the first and second virtual content as an overlay over the first
and second physical objects.
20. A non-transitory machine-readable medium comprising
instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a
machine, cause the machine to perform operations comprising:
detecting a physical device located within a first predefined
distance of an augmented-reality device; detecting, using an
optical sensor of the augmented-reality device, a physical object
located within a second predefined distance of the physical device,
the physical object being electronically unconnected to the
physical device; determining, using a hardware processor of the
augmented-reality device, that the physical object is associated
with the physical device; identifying a command based on an
identification of both the physical object and the physical device,
the physical device configured to operate the command; and
displaying, in a display of the augmented-reality office, virtual
content as an overlay to the physical object, the virtual content
identifying the command.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to the
processing of data. Specifically, the present disclosure addresses
systems and methods for remotely controlling devices.
BACKGROUND
A device can be used to generate and display data in addition to an
image captured with the device. For example, augmented reality (AR)
is a live, direct or indirect, view of a physical, real-world
environment whose elements are augmented by computer-generated
sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. With the
help of advanced AR technology (e.g. adding computer vision and
object recognition) the information about the surrounding real
world of the user becomes interactive. Device-generated (e.g.,
artificial) information about the environment and its objects can
be overlaid on the real world.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Some embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not
limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a network
suitable for operating a computer vision based activation of a
physical device, according to some example embodiments.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating modules (e.g., components)
of an augmented reality device, according to some example
embodiments.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating modules (e.g., components)
of a physical device & control application, according to some
example embodiments.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating interactions between an
augmented reality device, a server, and a physical device,
according to some example embodiments.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating interactions between an
augmented reality device, a server, and a physical device,
according to some example embodiments.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating interactions between an
augmented reality device and a physical device, according to some
example embodiments.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating interactions between an
augmented reality device and a physical device, according to some
example embodiments.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of a
physical device control application, according to some example
embodiments.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating another example operation of a
physical device control application, according to some example
embodiments.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example operation of a
physical device control application, according to some example
embodiments.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating another example operation of a
physical device control application, according to some example
embodiments.
FIG. 12A is a block diagram illustrating an example of an operation
of an augmented reality device for controlling a television.
FIG. 12B is a block diagram illustrating an example of an operation
of an augmented reality device for controlling a television.
FIG. 13A is a block diagram illustrating an example of an operation
of an augmented reality device for controlling a computer.
FIG. 13B is a block diagram illustrating another example of an
operation of an augmented reality device for controlling a
computer.
FIG. 14A is a block diagram illustrating an example of an operation
of an augmented reality device for controlling a radio.
FIG. 14B is a block diagram illustrating another example of an
operation of an augmented reality device for controlling a
radio.
FIG. 14C is a block diagram illustrating an example of an augmented
reality display for controlling a radio.
FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating components of a machine,
according to some example embodiments, able to read instructions
from a machine-readable medium and perform any one or more of the
methodologies discussed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Example methods and systems are directed to remotely controlling a
device by detecting an associated physical object being present in
proximity (or being present in a known physical configuration such
as proximity to, alignment with, or in a relative position to) to
the device. Examples merely typify possible variations. Unless
explicitly stated otherwise, components and functions are optional
and may be combined or subdivided, and operations may vary in
sequence or be combined or subdivided. In the following
description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details
are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of example
embodiments. It will be evident to one skilled in the art, however,
that the present subject matter may be practiced without these
specific details.
Augmented reality (AR) applications allow a user to experience
information, such as in the form of a three-dimensional virtual
object overlaid on a picture of a physical object captured by a
camera of a device (also referred to as an augmented-reality
device). The physical object may include a visual reference that
the AR application can identify. For example, the AR device uses
computer vision to detect and identify the physical object. A
visualization of the augmented information, such as the
three-dimensional virtual object overlaid or engaged with an image
of the physical object is generated in a display of the device. The
three-dimensional virtual object may be selected based on the
recognized visual reference or captured image of the physical
object. A rendering of the visualization of the three-dimensional
virtual object may be based on a position of the display relative
to the visual reference.
In one example, the AR device may include a head wearable device
that includes a transparent display. The AR device displays the
augmented information in the transparent display such that the user
of the AR device perceives the augmented information as an overlay
on a physical object.
The present application describes using an AR device that activates
and controls a physical device (e.g., computer, smart phone,
telephone, radio) by detecting that a physical object (e.g., keys,
business card, kitchen utensils) associated with the physical
device is in proximity to the physical device. In one example
embodiment, the physical object is not electrically coupled to the
physical device and does not communicate with the physical device
or another other device. In another example embodiment, the
physical object includes electrical components (e.g., a television
remote). For example, the television remote is not communicating or
electrically coupled to the television. Therefore, a television
remote without batteries can still be used to activate and control
the television.
For example, the AR device includes a camera that detects and
identifies a laptop. The AR device also detects that a predefined
physical object (e.g., coffee mug) is placed to the right side of
the laptop. The AR device detects the coffee mug using different
methods such as using computer vision for object recognition or
using other wireless means (e.g., bluetooth chip embedded in the
coffee mug) to identify the presence of the coffee mug. Once the AR
device determines that the coffee mug is associated with the
laptop, the AR device displays augmented information (e.g.,
displaying a color filter over the coffee mug to turn it orange)
and turn on the laptop. In another example, the AR device
determines that the coffee mug (associated with the laptop) is
placed to the left side of the laptop. The AR device displays
augmented information (e.g., "sleeping five seconds" notification,
or a virtual count down timer) over or above the laptop or the
coffee mug as perceived by the user of the AR device.
In another example, the AR device triggers a command to turn off
the television (e.g., AR device controls a smart wi-fi switch
connected to the television) when the AR device detects that the
television remote control is placed under the television.
Conversely, the AR device triggers a command to turn on the
television when the AR device detects that the television remote
control is removed from a predefined location (e.g., next to the
television). In yet another example, the AR device triggers a
command (e.g., to the television, or a set top box connected to the
television) to set the television to a first channel (e.g., channel
A) when the AR device detects that the television remote control is
positioned face up. Similarly, the AR device triggers a command to
set the television to a second channel (e.g., channel B) when the
AR device detects that the television remote control is positioned
face down. The AR device displays augmented information such as
"switching to channel B" over the television remote control.
In one example embodiment, the AR device includes an optical sensor
and a display. The AR device detects a physical device located
within a first predefined distance of the augmented-reality device.
The AR device detects, using the optical sensor, a physical object
located within a second predefined distance of the physical device,
the physical object being electronically unconnected to the
physical device. The AR device determines that the physical object
is associated with the physical device, identifies a command based
on an identification of both the physical object and the physical
device (the physical device is configured to operate the command),
and displays, in the display, virtual content as an overlay to the
physical object, the virtual content identifying the command.
In another example embodiment, the AR device determines, using the
optical sensor, a position of the physical object relative to the
physical device, a first orientation of the physical object
relative to the augmented-reality device, and a second orientation
of the physical object relative to the physical device. The command
is identified based on a combination of the identification of the
physical object, the position of the physical object relative to
the physical device, the first orientation of the physical object
relative to the augmented-reality device, and the second
orientation of the physical object relative to the physical
device.
In another example embodiment, the AR device identifies, using the
optical sensor, the physical device and the physical object. The AR
device determines, using the optical sensor, that the physical
object is adjacent to the physical device. The command is based on
the identification of both the physical device and the physical
object, and the physical object being adjacent to the physical
device.
In another example embodiment, the AR device wirelessly
communicates with the physical device, identifies the physical
device based on the wireless communication between the augmented
reality device and the physical device, determines, using the
optical sensor, that the physical object is adjacent to the
physical device. The command is based on the identification of both
the physical device and the physical object, and the physical
object being adjacent to the physical device.
In another example embodiment, the AR device communicates the
command to the physical device using the wireless communication.
The AR device can communicate the command to a server (the server
being associated with the physical device and coupled to the
physical device).
In another example embodiment, the AR device detects that the
physical device has performed the command on the physical device,
and modifies the virtual content in response to the detecting that
the physical device has performed the command. The modified virtual
content indicates that the physical device has performed the
command.
In another example embodiment, the AR device receives a
confirmation from the physical device that the command has been
performed on the physical device. The AR device modifies the
virtual content in response to detecting that the physical device
has performed the command. The modified virtual content indicates
that the physical device has performed the command.
In another example embodiment, the AR device detects, using the
optical sensor, a first and a second physical object located within
the predefined distance of the physical device, the first and
second physical objects being electronically unconnected to the
physical device. The AR device determines that the first and second
physical objects are associated with the physical device,
identifies a first request based on a combination of an
identification of the first and second physical objects, the
position of the first physical object relative to the physical
device, the position of the second physical object relative to the
physical device, the orientation of the first physical object
relative to the augmented-reality device, and the orientation of
the of the second physical object relative to the augmented-reality
device. The AR device then communicates the first request to the
physical device (or to an electrical device such as a smart plug or
a set top box connected to the physical device).
In another example embodiment, the AR device generates a first
virtual content to be displayed over at least one of the first and
second physical objects, the first virtual content identifying the
first request. The AR device generates a second virtual content
identifying a second request, the second virtual content including
visual instructions illustrating how to move the first and second
physical objects to trigger the second request. The AR device
displays, in the display, both the first and second virtual content
over the first and second physical objects.
In another example embodiment, a non-transitory machine-readable
storage device may store a set of instructions that, when executed
by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to
perform the method operations discussed within the present
disclosure.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a network
environment 100 suitable for operating an AR device, according to
some example embodiments. The network environment 100 includes an
AR device 104, a physical device 106, and a server 110
communicatively coupled to each other via a computer network (e.g.,
the Internet 112).
The physical device 106 includes an electrical device that can be
activated and controlled remotely. Examples of the physical device
106 include but are not limited to a computer, a smart phone, a
machine, a television, a radio, and a vehicle. In another example
embodiment, the physical device 106 may be an electrical or
non-electrical device that is not capable of electrical
communication with the AR device 104. For example, a conventional
lamp is an example of an electrical device having no capability of
electrically communicating with other devices such as the AR device
104. A door is an example of a non-electrical device having no
capability of electrically communicating with other devices such as
the AR device 104. However, the conventional lamp or door are
coupled to an electrical device that communicates with the AR
device 104. For example, the conventional lamp is connected to a
smart switch (e.g., wifi or zwave switch). The door is connected to
a wireless controllable mechanical actuator. The AR device 104 can
therefore control electrical and non-electrical physical devices
through another electrical device (e.g., wi-fi switch, wireless
controllable mechanical actuator) capable of controlling the
electrical and non-electrical devices and capable of wireless
communication with the AR device 104.
The AR device 104 detects the physical device 106 and the physical
object 108 and controls the physical device 106 based on the
detection of the physical device 106 and physical object 108. The
AR device 104 determines that the physical object 108 is associated
with the physical device 106 and is located in proximity to the
physical device 106. In one example embodiment, the AR device 104
accesses a database of predefined relationships between physical
devices 106 and physical objects 108. For example, computer c1 is
associated with a mug with logo or design d1, computer c2 is
associated with a mug with logo or design d2, machine m1 is
associated with tool (e.g., a wrench) t1, machine m2 is associated
with tool t2. The database further defines predefined actions or
commands between the physical devices 106 and the physical objects
108 and their relative location or placement. For example, command
a1 is associated with the mug with design d1 being placed to the
right of the computer c1. Command a2 is associated with the mug
with design d2 being placed to the right of the computer c1.
Command a3 is associated with the mug with design d1 being placed.
An action or command may also be associated with the identification
of both the physical device 106 and the physical object 108
irrespective of their relative placement. For example, the AR
device 104 turns on a television when the AR device 104 detects
both the television and the remote control, irrespective of the
location of the remote control. The AR device 104 detects the
presence of both the television and the remote control using a
combination of wireless radio signal and computer vision.
The AR device 104 displays augmented reality information overlaid
on top of the physical device 106 or a physical object 108. For
example, the user 102 sees a virtual logo on a television network
displayed on top of a television when the AR device 104 detects
that a remote control is placed face up on a stand next to the user
102.
In one example embodiment, the AR device 104 includes a wearable
computing device (e.g., smart glasses, a smart visor, smart
eyewear, a smart helmet, a smart phone) that a user 102 can wear to
see or experience the AR content related to physical device 106 and
the physical object 108, or other predefined physical objects at a
specific geographic location or position in a real-world physical
environment. FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of the user
102 looking at or through a display of the AR device 104 to view an
AR experience (e.g., augmented information) as an overlay to the
physical device 106 and the physical object 108.
The user 102 may be a user of an AR application executed in the AR
device 104 or the server 110. The user 102 may be a human user
(e.g., a human being), a machine user (e.g., a computer configured
by a software program to interact with the AR device 104), or any
suitable combination thereof (e.g., a human assisted by a machine
or a machine supervised by a human). The user 102 is not part of
the network environment 100, but is associated with the AR device
104.
In another example embodiment, the AR device 104 retrieves and
communicates a command (e.g., turn on, turn off, change to channel
B) directly to the physical device 106 or to an electrical device
(e.g., a set top box, a Wi-Fi switch) connected to the physical
device 106. In another example embodiment, the AR device 104
communicates the command to the server 110 that is coupled to the
physical device 106. For example, the AR device 104 determines that
the physical device 106 is made by manufacturer M. The AR device
104 identifies a server 110 associated with the manufacturer M and
provides the command to the identified server 110.
The AR device 104, the physical device 106, and the server 110 may
each be implemented in a computer system, in whole or in part, as
described below with respect to FIG. 15.
The server 110 may be part of a network-based system. For example,
the network-based system may be or include a cloud-based server
system that provides AR content (e.g., AR experience including
three-dimensional (3D) models of virtual objects, animations,
images, and video) to the AR device 104.
Any of the machines, databases, or devices shown in FIG. 1 may be
implemented in a general-purpose computer modified (e.g.,
configured or programmed) by software to be a special-purpose
computer to perform one or more of the functions described herein
for that machine, database, or device. For example, a computer
system able to implement any one or more of the methodologies
described herein is discussed below with respect to FIG. 15. As
used herein, a "database" is a data storage resource and may store
data structured as a text file, a table, a spreadsheet, a
relational database (e.g., an object-relational database), a triple
store, a hierarchical data store, or any suitable combination
thereof. Moreover, any two or more of the machines, databases, or
devices illustrated in FIG. 1 may be combined into a single
machine, database, or device, and the functions described herein
for any single machine, database, or device may be subdivided among
multiple machines, databases, or devices.
The computer network (e.g., the Internet 112) may be any network
that enables communication between or among machines (e.g.,
physical device 106, server 110), databases, and devices (e.g., AR
device 104). Accordingly, the computer network may be a wired
network, a wireless network (e.g., a mobile or cellular network),
or any suitable combination thereof. The computer network may
include one or more portions that constitute a private network, a
public network (e.g., the Internet 112), or any suitable
combination thereof.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of the
AR device 104. The AR device 104 may be a wearable device that
includes sensors 202, a display 204, a storage device 206, and a
processor 208. The AR device 104 may include any type of device
that can be worn on the head of a user (e.g., the user 102) such as
glasses, a headband, a hat, or a visor.
The sensors 202 may be used to generate internal tracking data
(e.g., using gyroscope data, accelerometer data, or inertial motion
unit data) of the AR device 104 to determine a position and an
orientation of the AR device 104. The position and the orientation
of the AR device 104 may be used to identify real-world objects in
a field of view of the AR device 104. For example, a virtual object
may be rendered and displayed in the display 204 when the sensors
202 indicate that the AR device 104 detects or is oriented towards
a predefined real-world object (e.g., when the user 102 looks at
the physical device 106 using the AR device 104). In another
example, the AR device 104 displays a virtual object (also referred
to as augmented information, virtual content, synthetic content)
based on a current geographic location of the AR device 104 and the
physical object 108. For example, a specific virtual content and
command are respectively displayed and issued at the user 102's
home address. On the other hand, another virtual content and
command are respectively displayed and issued when the user 102 is
located at his or her work address. Therefore, different virtual
content and command can be configured based on the geographic
location of the AR device 104, the physical device 106, and the
physical object 108, the identification of the physical device 106,
and the physical object 108, the relative position and location
between the AR device 104, the physical device 106, and the
physical object 108.
Examples of sensors 202 include a camera, an audio sensor, an
inertial motion unit (IMU) sensor, a geographic location sensor, a
barometer, a humidity sensor, an ambient light sensor, and a
biometric sensor. It is to be noted that the sensors 202 described
herein are for illustration purposes. The sensors 202 are thus not
limited to the ones described.
The display 204 includes a display surface or lens capable of
displaying AR content (e.g., an image of a virtual display or
monitor) generated by the processor 208. The display 204 may be
transparent so that the user 102 can see through the display 204
(e.g., such as a head-up display).
The storage device 206 stores a library of physical device
identifiers, physical object identifiers, AR content, commands,
geographic locations, relative locations and positions, a profile
of the user 102. The AR content include two- or three-dimensional
models of virtual objects with or without corresponding audio. In
another example, the storage device 206 may also store a database
that identifies reference objects (visual references or unique
identifiers associated with the physical device 106, physical
object 108) and corresponding AR content (e.g., animations, 3D
virtual objects, or interactive features of the 3D virtual
objects).
In one example embodiment, the AR device 104 communicates over the
Internet 112 with the server 110 to access a database of
information related to the physical device 106 and physical object
108 from the server 110, commands related to the identified
physical device 106 and physical object 108 and their relative
placement, location, and position.
The processor 208 includes an AR application 210 and an activation
& control application 212. The AR application 210 generates a
display of virtual content when the AR device 104 detects the
physical device 106 and the physical object 108 associated with the
physical device 106 is in proximity to the physical device 106.
The application & control application 212 detects the presence
of the physical device 106 (e.g., via computer vision, visual
object recognition, or wireless means such as Bluetooth or Zwave)
and the presence of the physical object 108 associated with the
physical device 106. After detecting the presence of the physical
device 106, and that the associated physical object 108 is in
proximity to the physical device 106, the physical device control
application 212 communicates a command to the physical device 106
or the server 110 to activate or operate the physical device
106.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating modules (e.g., components)
of the application & control application 212, according to some
example embodiments. The application & control application 212
includes a physical device detection module 302, a physical object
detection module 304, a validation module 306, an activation module
308, and a control module 310. The physical device detection module
302 detects the presence of the physical device 106 (e.g., using
computer vision, wireless communication signal such as Wi-Fi or
Zwave). For example, the physical device detection module 302
detects and identifies the physical device 106. In addition, the
physical device detection module 302 determines a distance between
the AR device 104 and the physical device 106, a geographic
location of the physical device 106, a relative position between
the physical device 106 and the AR device 104, an orientation of
the physical device 106 relative to the AR device 104 (e.g.,
television facing away from the AR device 104).
The physical object detection module 304 detects the presence of
the physical object 108 (e.g., using computer vision or wireless
communication signal such as Bluetooth or Zwave). The physical
object detection module 304 detects and identifies the physical
object 108. In addition, the physical object detection module 304
determines a distance between the AR device 104 and the physical
object 108, a geographic location of the physical object 108, a
relative position between the physical object 108, the physical
device 106, and the AR device 104 (e.g., the physical object 108 is
to the right of the physical device 106 and in front of the AR
device 104), an orientation of the physical object 108 relative to
the physical device 106 and/or the AR device 104 (e.g., remote
control is face up and aimed at the television).
The validation module 306 receives information related to the
identification, location, and position of the physical device 106
and the physical object 108 respectively from the physical device
detection module 302 and the physical object detection module 304.
The validation module 306 retrieves AR content and a command (e.g.,
turn on, turn off, start application A, switch channel) associated
with the received information. For example, the validation module
306 retrieves a command and a particular AR content associated with
the physical object 108 determined to be present within a
predefined distance (e.g., 5 feet) from the physical device 106. In
another example, the validation module 306 retrieves another
command and another AR content associated with the physical object
108 determined to be positioned in a particular orientation
relative to the physical device 106 or the AR device 104.
The server module 308 uses the information received from the
physical device detection module 302 to identify a server 110
associated with the physical device 106. For example, the server
module 308 accesses a server 110 associated with the physical
device 106. In another example, the server module 308 accesses a
server 110 associated with the AR device 104 to identify another
server 110 associated with the physical device 106. The server
module 308 receives the command from the validation module 306 and
communicates the command to the identified server 110.
The physical device interface module 310 receives the command from
the validation module 306 and communicates the command (e.g., via
the internet 112 or via a direct wireless communication means such
as radio) to the physical device 106. For example, the control
module 310 sends a command or operation to turn off a radio
(physical device 106).
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating interactions between the AR
device 104, the server 110, and the physical device 106, according
to some example embodiments. At operation 402, the AR device 104
detects the physical device 106 using computer vision or other
wireless communication signal between the physical device 106 and
the AR device 104. At operation 404, the AR device 104 detects the
physical object 108 using computer vision recognition techniques or
other wireless communication signal between the physical object 108
and the AR device 104 (e.g., Bluetooth tag on the physical object
108). At operation 406, the AR device 104 determines that the
physical object 108 is associated with the physical device 106. The
AR device 104 retrieves a command (e.g., activate physical device
106) based on the associated physical object 108 and sends a
request or instructions to activate the physical object 108 to the
server 110 (associated with the physical device 106) at operation
408. At operation 410, the server 110 sends the command to activate
the physical device 106 to the physical device 106. At operation
412, the physical device 106 is activated in response to receiving
the command.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating interactions between the AR
device 104, the server 110, and the physical device 106, according
to some example embodiments. At operation 502, the AR device 104
identifies a position and orientation of the physical object 108
relative to the physical device 106 (e.g., one foot to the left of
the physical device 106, and pointed in a particular direction). At
operation 504, the AR device 104 determines that a control or
command based on the relative location and position between the
physical object 108 and the physical device 106. At operation 506,
AR device 104 sends the command to the server 110 (associated with
the physical device 106). At operation 508, the server 110 sends
the command to the physical device 106. At operation 510, the
physical device 106 performs the command in response to receiving
the command from the server 110.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating interactions between the AR
device 104 and the physical device 106, according to some example
embodiments. At operation 602, the AR device 104 detects the
presence of the physical device 106 using computer vision or other
wireless communication signal between the physical device 106 and
the AR device 104. At operation 604, the AR device 104 detects the
physical object 108 using computer vision recognition techniques or
other wireless communication signal between the physical object 108
and the AR device 104 (e.g., Bluetooth tag on the physical object
108). At operation 606, the AR device 104 determines that the
physical object 108 is associated with the physical device 106. The
AR device 104 retrieves a command (e.g., activate physical device
106) based on the associated physical object 108 and sends a
request or instructions to activate the physical object 108 to the
physical device 106 at operation 608. At operation 610, the
physical device 106 is activated in response to receiving the
command from the AR device 104.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating interactions between an
augmented reality device 104 and a physical device 106, according
to some example embodiments. At operation 702, the AR device 104
identifies a position and orientation of the physical object 108
relative to the physical device 106 (e.g., one foot to the left of
the physical device 106, and pointed in a particular direction). At
operation 704, the AR device 104 determines that a control or
command based on the relative location and position between the
physical object 108 and the physical device 106. At operation 706,
the AR device 104 sends the command to the physical device 106. At
operation 708, the physical device 106 performs the command in
response to receiving the command from the AR device 104.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the
physical device control application 212, according to some example
embodiments. At operation 802, the physical activation &
control application 212 detects the presence of the physical device
106 and identifies the physical device 106. In one example
embodiment, operation 802 is implemented with the physical device
detection module 302. At operation 804, the physical device control
application 212 identifies the physical object 108 and detects that
the physical object 108 is in proximity (e.g., adjacent or 5 feet
away) to the physical device 106. In one example embodiment,
operation 804 is implemented with the physical object detection
module 304. At operation 806, the physical device control
application 212 determines that the physical object 108 is
associated with a command. In one example embodiment, operation 806
is implemented with the validation module 306. At operation 808,
the physical device control application 212 sends the command to
the physical device 106. In one example embodiment, operation 808
is implemented with the physical device interface module 310. At
operation 810, the AR device 104 displays AR content based on the
command. In one example embodiment, operation 810 is implemented
with the AR application 210. For example, the AR content includes
virtual content identifying or illustrating a command based on the
position or placement of the physical object 108 relative to the
physical device 106. In another example, the AR content includes
illustration on how to manipulate the physical object 108 to
perform another command.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating another example operation of the
application & control application 212, according to some
example embodiments. At operation 902, the physical device control
application 212 determines the position and orientation of the
physical object 108 relative to the physical device 106 (and
optionally relative to the AR device 104). In one example
embodiment, operation 902 is implemented with the physical device
detection module 302 and the physical object detection module 304.
At operation 904, the application & control application 212
determines a command based on the relative position and orientation
of the physical object 108. In one example embodiment, operation
904 is implemented with the validation module 306. At operation
906, the physical device control application 212 communicates the
command to the physical device 106. In one example embodiment,
operation 906 is implemented with the physical device interface
module 310. At operation 908, the AR device 104 displays AR content
based on the command. In one example embodiment, operation 908 is
implemented with the AR application 210.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example operation of
the application & control application 212, according to some
example embodiments. At operation 1002, the application &
control application 212 detects the physical device 106 using
computer vision techniques. In one example embodiment, operation
1002 is implemented with the physical device detection module 302.
At operation 1004, the application & control application 212
detects that the physical object 108 (associated with physical
device 106) is adjacent to the physical device 106, using computer
vision techniques. In one example embodiment, operation 1002 is
implemented with the physical object detection module 304. At
operation 1006, the application & control application 212
detects that the physical object 108 is associated with the
physical device 106. In one example embodiment, operation 1006 is
implemented with the validation module 306. At operation 1008, the
application & control application 212 determines a command
based on detecting that the physical object 108 is adjacent to the
physical device 106. In one example embodiment, operation 1008 is
implemented with the validation module 306.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating another example operation of an
activation and control application, according to some example
embodiments. At operation 1102, the application & control
application 212 detects the physical device 106 using wireless
communication between the AR device 104 and the physical device
106. In one example embodiment, operation 1102 is implemented with
the physical device detection module 302. At operation 1104, the
application & control application 212 detects the physical
object 108 (associated with physical device 106), using computer
vision techniques. In one example embodiment, operation 1104 is
implemented with the physical object detection module 304. At
operation 1106, the application & control application 212
determines the position and orientation of the physical object 108
relative to the AR device 104. In one example embodiment, operation
1106 is implemented with the physical device detection module 302
and the physical object detection module 304. At operation 1108,
the physical device control application 212 determines a command
based on the position and orientation of the physical object 108.
In one example embodiment, operation 1108 is implemented with the
validation module 306. At operation 1110, the application &
control application 212 communicates the command to the physical
device 106. In one example embodiment, operation 1110 is
implemented with the physical device interface module 310.
FIGS. 12A, 12B are block diagrams illustrating examples of
operation of an augmented reality device for controlling a
television. The user 102 uses the AR device 104 to detect a
television 1204 and a remote control 1206 associated with the
television 1204. In one example embodiment, the AR device 104
visually detects the television 1204 and the remote control 1206
both located within a field of view 1202 of an optical sensor of
the AR device 104. The AR device 104 identifies that the remote
control 1206 is associated with the television 1204. The AR device
104 further determines that the remote control 1206 is adjacent or
in proximity (or within a predefined distance) to the television
1204. The AR device 104 further detects the orientation of the
remote control 1206 relative to the television 1204. FIGS. 12A and
12B both illustrate the remote control 1206 having different
orientation. The AR device 104 determines a command based on the
position and orientation of the remote control 1206 and sends the
command to the television 1204. In the example of FIG. 12A, the AR
device 104 sends a "turn off" signal to the television 1204 based
on the orientation of the remote control 1206. In the example of
FIG. 12B, the AR device 104 sends a "turn on" signal to the
television 1204 based on the orientation of the remote control
1206. It is noted that the user 102 did not activate or press any
buttons on the remote control 1206 to turn on or off the television
1204.
FIGS. 13A and 13B are block diagrams illustrating examples of an
operation of an augmented reality device 104 for controlling a
computer. The user 102 uses the AR device 104 to detect and
identify a computer display 1302 and a pen 1306 associated with the
computer display 1302. The computer display 1302 displays an
application A 1304 running on a computer (not shown) connected to
the computer display 1302. In one example embodiment, the AR device
104 visually detects that the computer display 1302 and the pen
1306 are both located within a field of view 1202 of an optical
sensor of the AR device 104. The AR device 104 identifies that the
pen 1306 is associated with the computer or computer display 1302.
The AR device 104 further determines that the pen 1306 is adjacent
(or within a predefined distance) and placed to the left of the
computer display 1302. FIGS. 13A and 13B both illustrate the pen
1306 in different positions (e.g., to the left, to the right)
relative to the computer display 1302. The AR device 104 determines
a command based on the location of the pen 1306 relative to the
computer display 1302 and sends the command to the computer
connected to the computer display 1302. In the example of FIG. 13A,
the AR device 104 sends a signal to run application A 1304 on the
computer connected to the computer display 1302 based on detecting
that the pen 1306 is located to the left of the computer display
1302. In the example of FIG. 13B, the AR device 104 sends a signal
to run application B 1308 in the computer connected to the computer
display 1302 based on detecting that the pen 1306 is located to the
right of the computer display 1302.
FIGS. 14A and 14B are block diagrams illustrating an example of an
operation of an augmented reality device 104 for controlling a
radio. The user 102 uses the AR device 104 to detect and identify a
radio 1404, keys 1402, and a wallet 1406. The AR device 104
determines that the keys 1402 and wallet 1406 are associated with
the radio 1404 (for example, using unique visual or electronic
identifiers on the keys 1402 and wallet 1406). The radio 1404 is
tuned in to station A based on the placement of the detected keys
1402 and wallet 1406. In the present example, the AR device 104
visually detects that the keys 1402, the radio 1404, and the wallet
1406 are located within a field of view 1202 of an optical sensor
of the AR device 104. The AR device 104 identifies that the
position/placement of the keys 1402 and wallet 1406 relative to the
radio 1404. FIGS. 14A and 14B both illustrate the keys 1402 and
wallet 1406 in different positions (e.g., to the left, to the
right) relative to the radio 1404. The AR device 104 determines a
command based on the location of the keys 1402 and wallet 1406
relative to the radio 1404 and sends the command to the radio 1404.
In the example of FIG. 14A, the AR device 104 sends a signal to the
radio 1404 to tune to station A based on detecting that the keys
1402 are placed to the left of the radio 1404 and the wallet 1406
is placed to the right of the radio 1404. In the example of FIG.
14B, the AR device 104 sends a signal to the radio 1404 to tune to
station B based on detecting that the keys 1402 are placed to the
right of the radio 1404 and the wallet 1406 is placed to the left
of the radio 1404.
FIG. 14C is a block diagram illustrating an example of an augmented
reality display for controlling a radio 1404. A display 1410 of the
AR device 104 displays AR content overlaid on real world physical
object 108 (e.g., radio 1404). The AR content includes a radio
station identification 1420 (e.g., logo of the station) that
appears to be above the radio 1404. The AR content also includes
illustrations or guide 1440, 1450 on moving the keys 1402 and
wallet 1406 to change the radio 1404 to station B 1430.
Any one or more of the modules described herein may be implemented
using hardware (e.g., a processor of a machine) or a combination of
hardware and software. For example, any module described herein may
configure a processor to perform the operations described herein
for that module. Moreover, any two or more of these modules may be
combined into a single module, and the functions described herein
for a single module may be subdivided among multiple modules.
Furthermore, according to various example embodiments, modules
described herein as being implemented within a single machine,
database, or device may be distributed across multiple machines,
databases, or devices.
Modules, Components and Logic
Certain embodiments are described herein as including logic or a
number of components, modules, or mechanisms. Modules may
constitute either software modules (e.g., code embodied on a
machine-readable medium or in a transmission signal) or hardware
modules. A hardware module is a tangible unit capable of performing
certain operations and may be configured or arranged in a certain
manner. In example embodiments, one or more computer systems (e.g.,
a standalone, client, or server computer system) or one or more
hardware modules of a computer system (e.g., a processor or a group
of processors) may be configured by software (e.g., an application
or application portion) as a hardware module that operates to
perform certain operations as described herein.
In various embodiments, a hardware module may be implemented
mechanically or electronically. For example, a hardware module may
comprise dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently
configured (e.g., as a special-purpose processor, such as a field
programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific
integrated circuit (ASIC)) to perform certain operations. A
hardware module may also comprise programmable logic or circuitry
(e.g., as encompassed within a general-purpose processor or other
programmable processor) that is temporarily configured by software
to perform certain operations. It will be appreciated that the
decision to implement a hardware module mechanically, in dedicated
and permanently configured circuitry, or in temporarily configured
circuitry (e.g., configured by software) may be driven by cost and
time considerations.
Accordingly, the term "hardware module" should be understood to
encompass a tangible entity, be that an entity that is physically
constructed, permanently configured (e.g., hardwired) or
temporarily configured (e.g., programmed) to operate in a certain
manner and/or to perform certain operations described herein.
Considering embodiments in which hardware modules are temporarily
configured (e.g., programmed), each of the hardware modules need
not be configured or instantiated at any one instance in time. For
example, where the hardware modules comprise a general-purpose
processor configured using software, the general-purpose processor
may be configured as respective different hardware modules at
different times. Software may accordingly configure a processor,
for example, to constitute a particular hardware module at one
instance of time and to constitute a different hardware module at a
different instance of time.
Hardware modules can provide information to, and receive
information from, other hardware modules. Accordingly, the
described hardware modules may be regarded as being communicatively
coupled. Where multiple of such hardware modules exist
contemporaneously, communications may be achieved through signal
transmission (e.g., over appropriate circuits and buses that
connect the hardware modules). In embodiments in which multiple
hardware modules are configured or instantiated at different times,
communications between such hardware modules may be achieved, for
example, through the storage and retrieval of information in memory
structures to which the multiple hardware modules have access. For
example, one hardware module may perform an operation and store the
output of that operation in a memory device to which it is
communicatively coupled. A further hardware module may then, at a
later time, access the memory device to retrieve and process the
stored output. Hardware modules may also initiate communications
with input or output devices and can operate on a resource (e.g., a
collection of information).
The various operations of example methods described herein may be
performed, at least partially, by one or more processors that are
temporarily configured (e.g., by software) or permanently
configured to perform the relevant operations. Whether temporarily
or permanently configured, such processors may constitute
processor-implemented modules that operate to perform one or more
operations or functions. The modules referred to herein may, in
some example embodiments, comprise processor-implemented
modules.
Similarly, the methods described herein may be at least partially
processor-implemented. For example, at least some of the operations
of a method may be performed by one or more processors or
processor-implemented modules. The performance of certain of the
operations may be distributed among the one or more processors, not
only residing within a single machine, but deployed across a number
of machines. In some example embodiments, the processor or
processors may be located in a single location (e.g., within a home
environment, an office environment or as a server farm), while in
other embodiments the processors may be distributed across a number
of locations.
The one or more processors may also operate to support performance
of the relevant operations in a "cloud computing" environment or as
a "software as a service" (SaaS). For example, at least some of the
operations may be performed by a group of computers (as examples of
machines including processors), these operations being accessible
via a network and via one or more appropriate interfaces (e.g.,
APIs).
Electronic Apparatus and System
Example embodiments may be implemented in digital electronic
circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in
combinations of them. Example embodiments may be implemented using
a computer program product, e.g., a computer program tangibly
embodied in an information carrier, e.g., in a machine-readable
medium for execution by, or to control the operation of, data
processing apparatus, e.g., a programmable processor, a computer,
or multiple computers.
A computer program can be written in any form of programming
language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can
be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a
module, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing
environment. A computer program can be deployed to be executed on
one computer or on multiple computers at one site or distributed
across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication
network.
In example embodiments, operations may be performed by one or more
programmable processors executing a computer program to perform
functions by operating on input data and generating output. Method
operations can also be performed by, and apparatus of example
embodiments may be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry
(e.g., a FPGA or an ASIC).
A computing system can include clients and servers 110. A client
and server 110 are generally remote from each other and typically
interact through a communication network. The relationship of
client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on
the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to
each other. In embodiments deploying a programmable computing
system, it will be appreciated that both hardware and software
architectures merit consideration. Specifically, it will be
appreciated that the choice of whether to implement certain
functionality in permanently configured hardware (e.g., an ASIC),
in temporarily configured hardware (e.g., a combination of software
and a programmable processor), or a combination of permanently and
temporarily configured hardware may be a design choice. Below are
set out hardware (e.g., machine) and software architectures that
may be deployed, in various example embodiments.
Example Machine Architecture and Machine-Readable Medium
FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a machine in the example form of a
computer system 1500 within which instructions for causing the
machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed
herein may be executed. In alternative embodiments, the machine
operates as a standalone device or may be connected (e.g.,
networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the
machine may operate in the capacity of a server 110 or a client
machine in a server-client network environment, or as a peer
machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The
machine may be a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box
(STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a
web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine
capable of executing instructions (sequential or otherwise) that
specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while only a
single machine is illustrated, the term "machine" shall also be
taken to include any collection of machines that individually or
jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform
any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.
The example computer system 1500 includes a processor 1502 (e.g., a
central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU) or
both), a main memory 1504 and a static memory 1506, which
communicate with each other via a bus 1508. The computer system
1500 may further include a video display unit 1510 (e.g., a liquid
crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer
system 1500 also includes an alphanumeric input device 1512 (e.g.,
a keyboard), a user interface (UI) navigation (or cursor control)
device 1514 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 1516, a signal
generation device 1518 (e.g., a speaker) and a network interface
device 1520.
Machine-Readable Medium
The disk drive unit 1516 includes a machine-readable medium 1522 on
which is stored one or more sets of data structures and
instructions 1524 (e.g., software) embodying or utilized by any one
or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The
instructions 1524 may also reside, completely or at least
partially, within the main memory 1504 and/or within the processor
1502 during execution thereof by the computer system 1500, the main
memory 1504 and the processor 1502 also constituting
machine-readable media 1522. The instructions 1524 may also reside,
completely or at least partially, within the static memory
1506.
While the machine-readable medium 1522 is shown in an example
embodiment to be a single medium, the term "machine-readable
medium" may include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a
centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and
servers 110) that store the one or more instructions 1524 or data
structures. The term "machine-readable medium" shall also be taken
to include any tangible medium that is capable of storing, encoding
or carrying instructions 1524 for execution by the machine and that
cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies
of the present embodiments, or that is capable of storing, encoding
or carrying data structures utilized by or associated with such
instructions 1524. The term "machine-readable medium" shall
accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state
memories, and optical and magnetic media. Specific examples of
machine-readable media 1522 include non-volatile memory, including
by way of example semiconductor memory devices (e.g., erasable
programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable
programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and flash memory devices);
magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks;
magneto-optical disks; and compact disc-read-only memory (CD-ROM)
and digital versatile disc (or digital video disc) read-only memory
(DVD-ROM) disks.
Transmission Medium
The instructions 1524 may further be transmitted or received over a
communications network 1526 using a transmission medium. The
instructions 1524 may be transmitted using the network interface
device 1520 and any one of a number of well-known transfer
protocols (e.g., HTTP). Examples of communication networks include
a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, mobile telephone networks, POTS
networks, and wireless data networks (e.g., Wi-Fi and WiMAX
networks). The term "transmission medium" shall be taken to include
any intangible medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying
instructions 1524 for execution by the machine, and includes
digital or analog communications signals or other intangible media
to facilitate communication of such software.
Although an embodiment has been described with reference to
specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various
modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without
departing from the broader spirit and scope of the present
disclosure. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be
regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The
accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, show by way of
illustration, and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which
the subject matter may be practiced. The embodiments illustrated
are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the
art to practice the teachings disclosed herein. Other embodiments
may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and
logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing
from the scope of this disclosure. This Detailed Description,
therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of
various embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along
with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are
entitled.
Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to
herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term "invention"
merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit
the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive
concept if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although
specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it
should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve
the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments
shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations
or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above
embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described
herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon
reviewing the above description.
The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.
.sctn. 1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to
quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is
submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to
interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition,
in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various
features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the
purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure
is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the
claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly
recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect,
inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single
disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby
incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim
standing on its own as a separate embodiment.
* * * * *